Alex DeSantis has been living her dream of working as a producer in New York City for the past 10 years, but she says Buffalo will always have a place in her heart. Growing up in Wheatfield, she went on to graduate from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in advertising and marketing communications. DeSantis has worked on several incredible marketing campaigns, including one featured in Times Square, that many would kill to be apart of!
Here she tells us more about her career in the City That Never Sleeps.
1) Who do you work for and what is your job title?
Townhouse Worldwide / Grey Advertising. Title – Integrated Producer
2) When did you make the move from Buffalo to NYC and what made you take that leap?
I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in advertising and marketing communications. I made the move from Buffalo to NYC for college, 10 years ago (crazy). I visited NYC for the first time when I was 10 years old and from that moment on I knew I wanted to live in New York one day. When I got into FIT, it was like the star aligned.
3) What are you job responsibilities? What’s the coolest project you’ve worked on?
I produce integrated film, print and content campaigns for a diverse range of clients. Responsibilities include working with the creative team to source directors and editors that are right for the job. Also managing the budget and schedule for each project.
Coolest project – I produced a content shoot for the CoverGirl Colorlicious lip line. This shoot included filming the range of lip colors and also filming food that matched the names of specific shades (cherry, caramel, etc). This film was then utilized for a Times Square takeover. I produced the full takeover, which included five unique electronic billboards in Times Square, which were broadcast on New Years Eve. It was so cool to stand in Times Square on NYE and have my work featured.
4) You’ve met a lot of celebrities. Who was your favorite to meet and why?
I’ve had brief encounters with some celebrities at shoots, my office, or just seeing them on the street. I met Selena Gomez, who is the brand ambassador for Pantene, at her concert meet and greet and it was refreshing to meet someone who is true to what you see in the media. She’s super sweet and personable. Also meeting Scary Spice at my office was one of my favorites because the Spice Girls were my childhood.
5) What do you miss most about Buffalo?
I miss the people. Buffalo really is the city of good neighbors, the people are what make Buffalo such a great city. I miss my wonderful supportive family. Also, Bills games. I watch from McFaddens in NYC, but nothing compares to a Bills tailgate.
6) What advice would you give to women who wish to pursue their dreams like you did?
My advice would be to believe in yourself and be as proactive as possible. If you have a specific goal, do everything in your power to make it happen. Persistence and drive are important qualities. Also, keep in mind that life doesn’t always go according to a plan. You may think you’re destined to do something and then find out along the way there’s something even better suited for you. I originally went to school with the goal to work at a magazine, but through my courses realized I liked production. Now I have a career that I love. Always be open minded.
If you know a former Buffalonian who is accomplishing great things, email us at sweetbuffalo716@aol.com so we can tell their story.
